Entry-Level Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Gulfport, MS: $29,344 (2026)

Employers in Gulfport who frequently hire new EMS graduates include both private ambulance companies like AMR and GMR and municipal fire departments that often seek cross-trained firefighter-EMTs through specialized academy programs. While private companies typically offer lower wages, they provide critical on-the-job experience. To optimize starting pay in Mississippi, new EMTs should prioritize obtaining necessary credentials, including completing a state-approved EMT-Basic course and achieving NREMT national registration. For those aiming for higher wages, pathways such as advanced EMT certification or transitioning into oil-field medical roles—which can command rates of $50 to $70 per hour in shale regions—should be considered. Realistically, salary increases in the first few years could allow entry-level EMTs to ascend toward more competitive rates as they gain experience, especially when compared to the 2-3 times higher compensation fire department EMTs often secure under union contracts, emphasizing strategic career development for long-term success.